Chương 87: Chapter 75. Battle's End

Warrick Dreadnaught's Point of View Once we saw off the children to their battle, Aqua and I began our preparations. The children believe that we are going to set up an encampment to transport the defeated Hero Party back to Promethia's borders. While that is true for Aqua, we came to the decision that for insurance, I would follow them to make sure they would be safe. I sensed they made contact with the Hero Party before long. I stayed away to give them their space.

I figured if I went too close, they would sense me. To my joy, they were able to beat the Hero Party without much trouble. It seems there were some circumstances surrounding the girls. I sensed great conflict in the minds of the girls from John's world. In the end, Sarah and the girls were able to win with ease. While the women were fighting, I sensed that John had beaten the Hero. What were they doing in Promethia?

I understand that the Hero Job gives one an advantage against Demons, but even with that, I don't think I would've had much of a problem beating him even when I would still be healing from that Summoning Spell from 3 months ago. Regardless, it seems that John did a good job. He seems to be thinking of healing the one he's beaten. Hmm. That softness of his will lead to problems down the road. But I suppose that's just a part of him now? But I wonder, was this because of the Paladin Job influencing him?

Or is it because he is like this that he is a Paladin? I suppose I should head back and wait for them. Or at least, I thought that. I sense a strong presence approaching John. Sarah is also heading in his direction. This may not be good. Should I intervene now? I think I'll approach and see what happens.

"!!!" The strong one attacked John. Oh no! John's engaging alone. Sarah isn't there yet either... I need to hurry... As I dashed through the forest, I felt John barely surviving. Seems all that time I sparred him while keeping my combat ability slightly above him has helped him stay calm. He's surviving, but the person seems to just be playing around with him. /BOOM! / John landed a hit! Hm? Something's changed. Who is this person? He's so far above the Hero. Why didn't Promethia just send him?

I continued to run without giving my position away to John or his new enemy. While running, I felt the change in the air. The person fighting John is fighting seriously now. Not good! He's pushing John back! I have to speed up before it's too late! While running, I felt the flow of the battle change, John was in a compromised position and was about to receive a fatal blow! But at that moment, Sarah appeared and save him. At this point, I was around a mile away from them.

I decided to approach carefully and see if they could defeat the man. This confidence came from experience. When they would spar me these last few weeks, they were able to coordinate and land solid blows on me. I think that they could possibly beat the person they're fighting. Especially if John is given some time to think. It seems they are gaining momentum. At this point, I can hear the exchanges they're having. It seems they are winning after all. John and Sarah are pushing the person back.

It seems this is the final exchange! They'll win at this rate! Wait... What is this feeling? NO! /BOOM! / Explosion Magic!? How!? Only the Royal Bloodline of Promethia has access to that kind of Magic! I search for John and Sarah's mana.... It's light, but I can feel them! Wait! Something's happening to Sarah!? Where is this mana coming from? It feels like her mana, but... Darker? It stopped now? Wait no, it's still there, just more controlled. What did she do?

I start running at full speed to get to them, their opponent is approaching them slowly from behind! John's in rough shape too! When I made it to them, Sarah was cradling John in her arms on the ground. And the man was raising a sword to strike Sarah and John. It took almost all of my power to not cut his head off in that moment. I knew John didn't want anyone to die today. I'll respect his wish for now. Grip!" I won't be allowing you to kill My Child or my Son-In-Law, Human."

Before I had even realized it, I stopped his sword swing with my hand. He seemed to feel fear from the killing intent I couldn't suppress. Hm? His features. I recognize them. To think they've gone and done something like this with their first born. Maybe his father saw he had talent and thought that he may be able to kill me? How desperate. Promethia's Kings have always embarked on fool's errands when it comes to Diablos, but to make the First Prince endanger himself by trying to fight me.

I can only shake my head at the lack of foresight." Boy, what was your name. I saw you once, behind your father's convoy when I joined the war. What was that? 12 or 13 years ago?" Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work! He was frozen in place. Seems fear has started to sprout in his mind. I took his sword from his hands while keeping my eye on him. / Clang!

/ Once I could see his will to fight was gone and I tossed his sword away, I began to check on Sarah and John. Sarah was crying. We'll have to look after her once I have them safe and sound. The more pressing matter was John. It looked like someone set a bomb off directly behind him. There were scraps of metal in his back. His breathing was normal and there wasn't much blood. In fact, his body seemed to be healing itself without much effort. In one sense, my mind was put at ease, but questions started to plaque me.

Could this be one of his Abilities as a Paladin? For now, it doesn't matter. I need to attend to Promethia's Prince. I turned to him and began to speak." Do I need to repeat myself? What is your name? Answer me this time or you'll learn what it means to displease me."

"!" That seemed to gather his attention. Now that I get a good look at him, he's injured. His leg is unstable, he's bleeding from his back and there's dried blood on his shirt. They did a number on him. He collected himself and began to speak." My name is Jessie Phoenix. What now, Demon King?" He speaks even though he fears for his own life. He's also looking at the Hero behind him. Is there a hint of fondness I see?" I see. So, you are the First Son of Promethia's King.

I'd try to be polite about this, seeing as you're also Royalty and from what I can tell, you're also a Warrior. But you see, you've put me in a bind, Jessie. Your family is unexpectedly good at that. To begin with, by rights and my wants, I should and want to slaughter you and the Hero Party for trying to invade My Land." Release.

"!" I release some of the killing intent I tried hiding. I did this for 2 reasons. The 1st is easy to explain. Quite simply, I'm very pissed off at this situation. The 2nd was to rattle him so he's more agreeable moving forward. He was able to steel himself and reply." Does that mean you plan on killing me and the Hero?" I stare at him while I collect my thoughts. I begin to respond." For what you have just put My Daughter and My Friend, Matthew through.

Yes, I really would like nothing more than to slaughter you all." Pat. I place my hand on Sarah's head to try and soothe her. She's lost in her own world as her tears fall onto John as he breaths steadily in a deep sleep. I remember his request and I try to honor his selfishness. Really, how could he claim this to be selfish when it amounts to saving lives?" However, the boy wishes to allow your group to leave here today."" What!?" His surprise was interesting. He's off-balance now.

Time to lay some foundation for John's wish." Before I speak about that, I have a question for you, Jessie." He focused his attention to me. Good, seems he thinks if he slips up once, I may ignore John's wishes. Well, that's not too far from the truth in all honesty." Before continuing, I would like you to know if you lie, you can count your life as forfeit."" What is your question, King Warrick?"" Hmm. how respectful. That's very different to how most Humans refer to me.

Something about cowardly white turtle, if I recall correctly?" Most of the propaganda on their side liked to compare me to a turtle. Something about being too slow to act and only focused on defense. But that strategy is why My Country has only lost a handful of Soldiers while the Humans have resorted to Summoning a Hero to try and break the stalemate and replace the manpower that was lost." They only say that because they haven't seen what you can do on a battlefield."" Yes, they haven't.

Had you landed that sword swing however, blood would run like rivers across this continent." Without even realizing it, I sent a pulse of killing intent out of my body. This agitated him. He began to speak in a panicked voice." What is your question!?" I look at Jessie and begin to speak calmy after reigning in my bloodlust." My Daughter was Cursed around a year ago. Did Promethia have anything to do with it?" Jessie took his time to respond. He seems to be recalling memories to help form his answer.

Before long, he spoke to me." I can't say for certain there was no involvement from Promethia." His answer was suspicious. It was like he didn't even want to try to defend his country against my accusation." Why do you say that, Jessie?"" Simple, a year ago I was busy living as an Adventurer. I had no involvement with most anyone that could make the decision to try and Curse your daughter." I examined the man as he spoke. There was no sign that I could see from him that suggested he was lying."

Very well, as for why Matthew wanted you all to leave alive, I believe that has to do with his fate as a Paladin. He seems to view this whole event as a test for his Skills against the Hero for whatever reason. The thought of killing the Hero Party didn't seem to cross his mind as a serious option."" Can you answer a question for me, Your Highness?"" Depends on what it is." Jessie guarded himself, seems he fears my answer. Still, he begins to ask it." Where did you find him? Where did you find Matthew?

And why is a Human so willing to help and befriend Demons?" I smiled at him and began to answer him." I searched him out. As you heard, My Daughter was Cursed. Matthew helped as soon as we explained to him why we sought him out. As for befriending us. Well, you would need to ask him really. But enough is enough. Take the Hero and go. If you still choose to persist, I will kill you, Jessie." Without a word, Jessie turned and picked the Hero up and began to walk North.

I remembered about the others and began to speak again." The other members of the Hero Party will be found outside of this forest. Continue in the direction you are walking, and you will find them in time." He nodded to show he heard me. And like that, the Warrior Prince disappeared into the distance with a Hero on his back. Now, for Sarah and John. Sarah hasn't stopped weeping the entire time. It seems this battle has shocked her to the core.

I sent word to Aqua and before long, the Paramedics were able to reach us. I silently thought about the future as we made our way back to safety.